Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic autoimmune disease that primarily affects the liver, leading to progressive impairment of liver function over time. The clinical landscape for managing PBC underwent a significant transformation with the introduction of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in 1997, which was heralded as a breakthrough in treatment. Its approval represented a major
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Crohn’s disease, a chronic inflammatory bowel condition, significantly impacts the quality of life for millions of patients globally. With no universal cure available, treatments aim to manage symptoms and induce remission. Recent advancements have brought attention to mirikizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting the p19 subunit of interleukin (IL)-23, as a promising option for individuals
Emerging research from France has illuminated the potential relationship between the consumption of ultraprocessed foods and the severity of psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune condition characterized by inflamed skin. The study, conducted within the vast NutriNet-Santé cohort, indicates that individuals suffering from active psoriasis tend to consume higher amounts of ultraprocessed foods, such as carbonated beverages
The landscape of healthcare in the United States is continuously evolving as reforms aim to improve patient access and care quality. Recent proposed changes by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) signify an important advancement toward enhancing the transparency and accountability of Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. This proposed rule, released by the Biden
Meningiomas, a type of brain tumor arising from the meninges, present unique challenges in terms of treatment and management. Recent research has unveiled promising insights regarding preoperative embolization—a procedure aimed at reducing blood flow to the tumor. This article examines the multifaceted implications of embolization, particularly its impact on relapse-free survival (RFS) and the underlying
The intricacies of healthcare regulations are rarely straightforward, and they often lead to intense debates among medical professionals and policymakers. Donald Kohn, MD, emphasized this conundrum during a recent FDA advisory committee meeting discussing the potential full approval of andexanet alfa (Andexxa), a drug designed to reverse bleeding caused by anticoagulants. The challenge lies not
The recent nominations by President-elect Donald Trump of Dr. Dave Weldon as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Dr. Janette Nesheiwat as the next U.S. Surgeon General have prompted substantial discourse regarding their potential impact on public health policy in the United States. Both nominees carry with them distinct backgrounds
In the wake of President-elect Donald Trump’s announcement regarding the nomination of Dr. Marty Makary to lead the FDA, the future direction of this pivotal agency is ripe for discussion. This choice underscores a significant shift in focus, driven by a promise to restore public trust and to advocate for a reevaluation of how the
Chronic pain has emerged as a pressing public health concern across the United States, with recent data revealing alarming trends that underscore its prevalence and the demographic disparities associated with it. A study from the centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights that in 2023, nearly one in four adults grappled with chronic pain,
In a significant development for the treatment of schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, a joint meeting of the FDA’s advisory committees has suggested a potentially game-changing approach to clozapine, a medication often relegated to treatment-resistant cases. The recent overwhelming consensus among committee members to eliminate the Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program surrounding clozapine stems